STUDY REJECTS PLAN TO HIRE CODE OFFICER

WILTON MANORS -- A full-time code enforcement officer in the city could be an unnecessary expense during a tough budget year, according to recommendations in the final draft of a recently completed redevelopment study.

Instead, efforts should first be directed toward developing strong city codes that address property upkeep and rehabilitation, said Ed Anzek, of Darby and Way Inc., the Fort Lauderdale firm that conducted the study.

"If the city prepares and implements a good workable code, then it's my contention that the immediate problem in Wilton Manors will be resolved," he said.

The problem, according to city officials and those conducting the study, is the deterioration of a three-block area in northwest Wilton Manors referred to as Highland Estates.

The study, which was funded through a block grant from the Broward County Community Development Division, was conducted to identify where urban blight was beginning to surface and to develop a plan of action to halt further deterioration.

Among some of the recommendations that were given first priority status in the study:

-- A property-maintenance code-enforcement program.

-- Revised zoning ordinances.

-- Revised sign ordinance.

-- A welcoming packet for new residents.

Anzek said that while the city has a few ordinances that address illegal dumping and control of weeds and grass, none exist that are aimed at conditions such as peeling paint or cars parked on city rights-of-way.

If city officials follow through on plans to hire a community maintenance officer, the job would be full-time for about a year and then it would take less than 10 hours per week to effectively maintain code enforcement in the city, Anzek said.

"Having a code on the books will probably be one of the most effective tools for code enforcement," Anzek said.

Mayor Tracy Stafford said he concurred with most of the recommendations, but did not agree with the advice to delay hiring a code-maintenance officer.

"I would like to hear them explain why," he said. "I would think that community maintenance is an ongoing thing."

In the study, Anzek recommended seeking another block grant from the Broward County Community Development Division to hire a code enforcement officer for one year.

But, the most difficult part of the study will be finding the money, time and manpower to implement any or even part of the recommendations, said City Manager Dale Rieth.

A formal presentation of the study will be made Sept. 2 during the first public hearing on the fiscal 1986-87 budget.